Senior Manager/Manager, Advancement

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS); Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical benefits

Flex benefits

Family care leaves

Volunteer service leaves

Wellness & recreation activities

Lifelong learning opportunities

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) seeks a Senior Manager/Manager to support Principal Gifts fundraising as the university scales its new Rochor campus. The role focuses on identifying and nurturing major donors, coordinating with leadership, volunteers, and faculty to advance university priorities with a strategic, collaborative approach.

The successful candidate will be a skilled relationship-builder, results-driven, creative, and highly organized, capable of developing engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in Principal Gifts or Advancement.
• Proven donor cultivation, stewardship and relationship management.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills; ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to grow Principal Gift giving for SUSS.
• Identify, develop and deliver engagement opportunities for Principal Gift donors.
• Prepare gift proposals and appeal letters as required.
• Meet or exceed fundraising goals and metrics.
• Cultivate relationships with donors focusing on retention and growth.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align with departmental and university goals.
• Complete donor documents timely and accurately.
• Assist in hosting development events.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Stakeholder management

Donor engagement

Presentation skills

Integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Donor management systems

Job description

SUSS Named One of Singapore’s Best Employers 2026. Join Us to Make an Impact.

Who We Are

As Singapore's first institute for lifelong learning, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) champions inclusivity to bring education to all and ensure that they are given equal opportunities to develop to their fullest potential in our diverse learning environment.

We advocate for the same for our people. We believe everyone should have equal opportunities and develop to their fullest potential in their careers.

Embark on an exciting lifelong journey with us in making a positive difference in your career and serving our society.

About The Job

Advancement is seeking a Senior Manager/Manager to support the fundraising work of the University, in particular Principal Gifts (gifts above S$1 million) as SUSS gears up for its new Rochor campus which is anticipated to be ready by 2033.

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director/Director and will help increase philanthropic giving to SUSS, with a specific focus on Principal Gifts. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder, results-oriented, creative and enthusiastic while being extremely collaborative, organized and strategic.

He/she will support the Deputy Director/Director and SUSS senior management in identifying potential Principal Gift donors and implementing strategies for success in giving to SUSS, and work collaboratively with key volunteers, SUSS leadership and faculty, and colleagues to cultivate Principal Gift donors for university priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to grow Principal Gift giving to SUSS
• Proactively identify, develop and deliver engagement opportunities to Principal Gift donors and potential Principal Gift donors to ensure the maximisation of their financial and non-financial support
• Perform the research, development, and writing of gift proposals and appeal letters as required
• Be accountable for meeting or exceeding established fundraising goals and metrics
• Be accountable for cultivating relationships with a focus on retention, recapture, and growth
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and maintain a coordinated approach in support of overall departmental and university-wide goals
• Timely completion of donor documents to indicate donor commitments
• Assist in hosting various development events

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in Principal Gifts, Advancement, or Development roles.
• Proven experience in donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management. Experience in the higher education sector will be an advantage.
• Proactive, energetic, and self‑motivated individual who enjoys engaging with donors, partners, and stakeholders while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate across teams, and achieve results in complex environments with diverse perspectives and expectations.
• Collaborative and engaging professional with sound judgment, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with alumni, donors, faculty members, senior administrators, volunteer leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate the university’s mission, vision, and philanthropic priorities credibly and persuasively.
• Strong customer service orientation, personal drive, and commitment to supporting the university’s fundraising and advancement goals.
• Demonstrated active listening, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to achieve positive outcomes and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential donor and prospect information with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and donor management/database systems.

What We Offer

At SUSS, we advocate the Spirit of Learning and pride ourselves as lifelong learners. You will gain access to various learning platforms and plenty of development opportunities to support your growth in a meaningful career.

Besides That, You Will Also Get

• Competitive Pay Package
• Hybrid Work Arrangement (Subject to Job Role)
• Medical Benefits
• Flex Benefits
• Family Care Leaves
• Volunteer Service Leaves
• Wellness & Recreation Activities
• Lifelong Learning Opportunities
• Career Development Opportunities through Internal Job Postings and Transfers